Clean Line offers benefits

I’m writing in response to Ms. Carothers’ letter on Nov. 6 about the Rock Island Clean Line. Her letter tells one side of the story, and I’d like to tell the other.

I believe this project offers many benefits to the state and our nation. In addition to the many well-paid and much-needed jobs for Illinois tradespersons, this clean energy power line will help support local governments and schools for many years after its completion.

Nobody wants to see a power line where there wasn’t one yesterday. But everyone wants the benefit of cheap electricity. I believe we all must make sacrifices for the greater good.

While the Rock Island Clean Line will cross many miles of agricultural land, farmers will still be able to farm underneath the line and right up to the structures. And, Clean Line is offering fair financial compensation to those directly affected.

Ms. Carothers states that she opposes the project because an out-of-state private investor is backing it. Perhaps that’s what it takes to make this happen? Personally, I am thankful that a very wealthy individual is willing to invest his fortune in a clean energy project that helps our country to achieve energy independence and will spend over half a billion dollars in our state as well.

This transition to clean energy is important. Our country has achieved many great accomplishments. We can and should unite to do all we can to build a more prosperous, safe, and healthy future for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children.